Great British Staycations is the insider's guide to desirable escapes in the UK. From the numerous unique counties from north to south, to our bustling capital city, there is a holiday for everyone on these shores.
You are sure to find some inspiration for your next staycation within the 172 pages of this FREE magazine.
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When it comes to travel, the word staycation is now as much a part of our vocabulary as ‘two weeks in the sun’ or ‘European city break’.
And far from being a short-lived fad born out of a set of circumstances we had no control over, namely the travel restrictions put in place during the Covid pandemic, four years on, the appeal of staying put in the UK when it comes to having a holiday or short trip away shows no signs of abating.
Local currency
Recent research from Virgin Money revealed that over the summer of 2023, the amount spent on UK-based staycations increased by 10 per cent compared with the spring quarter of the year, and reached a staggering £5.3m between June and August, demonstrating just how much holidaymakers were prepared to invest in their UK break.
Meanwhile, Parkdean Resorts reported record bookings for early autumn 2023, with September and October stays at their 66 holiday parks being 44 per cent higher than during pre-Covid levels.
Their chief customer officer, Xavier Vallee, said consumers now see staycations as a ‘trusted option’ when it comes to planning their vacations.
‘People fell back in love with the great British holiday during Covid, and domestic tourism remains a popular and trusted option for Brits looking for a fun, value-for-money and hassle-free holiday,’ he explained.
Changing face of travel
And the endearing popularity could also come down to another hangover from Covid-19: the ‘digital nomad’ style of working.
With many employees now based permanently at home and no longer tied to rigid office hours and daily commutes, short trips and city breaks around the country are not restricted to just when annual leave can be booked.
Low-stress getaways
A staycation can often be a less stressful option, too, especially if you want to get away at the last minute or move from location to location without the hassle of organising airport parking or having lengthy transfers eating into your trip.
Plus your mode of transport can become part of the whole holiday experience on a staycation – Britain is made for driving holidays with so many destinations to discover, but don’t rule out coach tours and picturesque train routes to and around your chosen destination, either – what's nicer than letting someone else plan the route and do the driving while you sit back and enjoy the views?
Pet friendly Britain
With the huge upsurge in dog and other pet ownership over the past few years, largely due to the number of people who decided to take on an animal during lockdown, holidaying in the UK also makes sense if you have a canine member of the family.
In fact, when restrictions on UK tourism eased after lockdown, one study reported a 665 per cent surge in dog-friendly holiday searches online, as more people chose to holiday with their animals rather than put them into kennels or go through the stress of finding a trusted sitter for them. With more and more hotels and self-catering provisions acknowledging this continuing trend, pets are more welcome than ever around the country’s tourist hotspots, many of which are also the perfect dog-walking locations with miles of countryside or coastline.
Location, location, location
And the continued growth of the staycation is not just excellent news for the UK’s hoteliers, B&Bs, and holiday let businesses, but also for holidaymakers, as the country’s tourism trade continues to thrive and grow, offering more and more options every year in landscapes that inspire and feed the soul - because there is absolutely no denying that from areas of outstanding natural beauty though to bustling, cosmopolitan cities, and family friendly seaside resorts, the UK has an awful lot to offer.
However, when Sykes Cottages revealed the top five staycation destinations as decided by their customers, based on booking data and consumer research, it showed there are some locations that holidaymakers can never get enough of.
Yorkshire topped the bill, and with everything from windswept beaches to heather-covered moors to explore, as well as the breathtaking valleys of the Dales, and the lure of vibrant cities like York and Harrogate, it’s no surprise that year after year, God’s Own Country continues to delight.
Hot on Yorkshire’s heels was Cornwall, with its miles of beaches and quaint towns and villages, with the equally desirable Scottish Highlands, Cumbria and Northumberland making up the other three most popular locations for a British getaway.
Breaks for all
According to VisitEngland director, Andrew Stokes, the UK is in the enviable position of having an ‘outstanding tourism offer on our doorstep’, that is ‘consistently rated as some of the best in the world’.
'So do go out and explore our amazing destinations and attractions,’ he urges. ‘Tourism businesses will be very pleased to see you.’
